Lionel Messi has opened up about his latest World Cup milestone after becoming the highest goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history, describing the achievement as a special moment while keeping his focus firmly on Argentina’s title defence.
The Argentine captain reached the historic mark during his country’s 2-0 victory over the Austria national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving past the previous all-time scoring record and adding yet another chapter to his remarkable career.
Despite the landmark achievement, Messi admitted that the evening was not entirely perfect. The veteran forward was left frustrated after failing to convert an early penalty, revealing that the missed opportunity remained on his mind even after the final whistle.
Reflecting on the match, Messi said:
“It is truly spectacular, I am really angry about the penalty because I wanted to score it, but these things happen. The important thing is that we won, qualified, and kept improving as a team.”
While many supporters have focused on the significance of the record, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted that personal milestones are not what drive him at this stage of his career.
Speaking about his longevity and continued impact on the international stage, he said:
“I honestly don’t play thinking about how old I am but rather about how I feel physically. From there, I just try to give my maximum, regardless of my age, and give everything I have. The truth is that I feel physically good.”
Messi was also quick to shift the spotlight toward his teammates, praising the collective effort that helped Argentina secure another important victory.
According to the captain, individual records mean little without the contribution of the entire squad, and the team’s primary objective remains defending the World Cup crown they won in 2022.
Now 38, Messi continues to prove that his influence on the international stage remains as strong as ever. With Argentina still firmly in the hunt for another world title, the football icon has shown that his hunger for success has not faded, even as he continues to rewrite the history books.
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